regelation

glaciology

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Last updated

July 13, 2026

Quick Summary

Regelation is the refreezing of water that results from melted ice under pressure when that pressure is released. This phenomenon is particularly relevant in glaciology, specifically concerning glacier flow.1

Glaciers move due to the weight and creep properties of ice. When ice is subjected to shear stress over time, it deforms. This deformation, governed by the Glen flow law, causes glaciers to flow from accumulation areas to ablation zones.2

In some cases, glaciers can slide over their beds. One mechanism for this sliding involves regelation. As ice encounters bumps on the bedrock, pressure increases in some areas, causing melting, and decreases in others, causing refreezing. This process, along with plastic deformation around obstacles, allows the glacier to move.2

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glacier
Glacier flow
This process, termed regelation, is controlled by the rate at which heat can be conducted through the bumps. The first process is most efficient with large knobs, and the second process is most efficient with small bumps. Together these two processes produce bed slip. Water-filled cavities may form…
Read More
This process, termed regelation, is controlled by the rate at which heat can be conducted through the bumps. The first process is most efficient with large knobs, and the second process is most efficient with small bumps. Together these two processes produce bed slip. Water-filled cavities may form…
Read More